Are Vegans Really Making a Difference?

The quick answer: yes. Vegans are making a HUGE difference. According to this chart by the Humane Society, up until April 2015 there have been 7.4 billion more animals slaughtered for animal agriculture than 1960. Not the most reassuring news, right? However, in just a little over a year from April 2015 to the current date in July 2016, animal slaughter has decreased by 4.6 billion animals. It’s definitely becoming more popular to be aware of how your food was made, and luckily it is definitely making a dent in food production! Vegnews recently came out with an article stating even Tyson recently was challenged as to how they are going to compete with the astronomical growth of the plant-based meat industry! Vegan options are popping up everywhere nowadays due to the increased vegan demand. Every animal or animal product you leave off your plate also makes a difference, since that is one more life you chose to save! Not to mention, every new vegan is one of a new hundred vegans.

Although being vegan is based on ethics, there are definitely side benefits! I have met several vegans who have been able to overcome major health risks, including getting rid of tumors and avoiding open heart surgery. I have met one woman who was told she would die in two weeks, but went vegan and oil-free and has been living for six years. Veganism has also been known as an alternative go-to for reversing diabetes and cancer. I myself have seen minor benefits such as clearer skin and increased energy, with an added benefit of better mental health because of a clear conscience of eating cruelty-free!

Another side benefit of going vegan is knowing that your food in no way participates in harming the earth! United Nations came out with the news that a vegan diet is absolutely vital not only for the earth’s benefit, but also to put a dent in world hunger. According to the UN report, animal agriculture accounts for 70% of global freshwater consumption, 38% of the total land use and 19% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Even in areas depleted of resources, the majority of water, land and vegetation is still being used to keep cows alive for animal agriculture. The UN also claimed animal agriculture is “one of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global.”

So are vegans making a difference? Does one person really make an impact? Is animal agriculture a topic worth discussing among other world issues? We hope you were able to figure out! It’s never too late to start leading a cruelty-free lifestyle!